Runners flock to New Braunfels' Landa Park early in the morning, jogging in the shade of its towering oak trees and offering warm welcomes to passersby as they go. The distinct community vibe that permeates this 51-acre park is a big part of what makes it so special to locals, according to reviews. More often than not, a police officer is even perched at the entrance, ensuring every car that enters is traveling a safe speed.

If that isn't enough to sell you on this local park, then perhaps its wealth of activities will be. A miniature train chugs around its 51 acres with guests aboard. Paddle boats are available to take out on placid Landa Park Lake. There's a wading pool and playground where children can play, a stage and amphitheater for fresh-air performances, and sand volleyball courts and horseshoe pits. More than 75 grills are scattered throughout the park, as well as 300-plus picnic tables, so head there early in the afternoon to snag a spot for a picnic lunch.

Landa Park
Landa Park Drive
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 221-4350
www.texasoutside.com/newbraunfels/nblandaparkframes.htm
www.yelp.com/biz/landa-park-new-braunfels

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Alexis Fam Photography

Before they splash into your glass, the beers at The Dodging Duck Brewhaus never see the light of day. They originate in a 10-barrel brewery system housed at The Dodging Duck, residing in stainless steel tanks calibrated to exactly 34 degrees. That's until the beers make their way through chilled lines to the tap and slosh into pint glasses. From an IPA and stout to lighter ales, the craft beers have put Boerne on the map. This brewery has even brought home gold and silver medals from the World Beer Championships.

Patrons recommend downing a pint with the fried green tomatoes or antelope burger, two favorites from the kitchen. The menu encompasses everything from chimmichurri beef tenderloin to Thai lettuce wraps to bratwurst. Dine outside on the patio, where you can watch the ducks for which the brewery is named as they paddle around a pond, or sit inside one of the lake house-inspired dining rooms. There's also a huge wraparound bar where you can grab a pint and chat with The Dodging Duck's brewmaster.

The Dodging Duck Brewhaus
402 River Road
Boerne, TX 78006
(830) 248-3825
dodgingduck.com/test
www.yelp.com/biz/the-dodging-duck-brewhaus-boerne

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/maya83

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